Frank Lampard pay-cut bid fails

Lampard remains desperate to stay at Stamford Bridge and had hoped his two-goal performance in the 2-1 win at Everton on Sunday would persuade Abramovich to change his mind.

Blues chief executive Ron Gourlay was informed Lampard would be willing to settle for a new contract worth £50,000-a-week – a massive 66 per cent less than his current deal.

The proposed deal would include extra incentives, based upon his appearances and goals.

But despite the attempt by the desperate England midfielder to save his Chelsea career with a cut-price offer, Blues owner Roman Abramovich still insists he will leave in the summer, when his current deal expires.

Lampard has been told he can quit during this month’s transfer window, but only for a club abroad.

LA Galaxy want Lampard and there is also strong interest from China.

His uncle, QPR boss Harry Redknapp, would love him at Loftus Road now but Chelsea will not allow that this month.

Starsport also revealed how Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to sign the midfielder and team-mate Ashley Cole on free transfers in the summer.

Yet Lampard remains desperate to stay at Stamford Bridge and had hoped his two-goal performance in the 2-1 win at Everton on Sunday would persuade Abramovich to change his mind.

But there has been no new approach to Lampard, who captained Chelsea in the shock 1-0 home defeat by QPR on Wednesday.

He was desperately unlucky to see a goal ruled out for offside that would have seen him go joint second in the club’s all-time scoring charts with Kerry Dixon on 193. He also has Bobby Tambling’s record of 202 in his sights.

But he fears he will be used less and less as the season unfolds if he gets close to Tambing’s mark, as forcing the club’s new record goalscorer to leave would be viewed as a PR disaster for Abramovich and his club.